The Cavaliers get outplayed by the Nuggets and lose 126-113

The Cleveland Cavaliers were outplayed and dominated by the Denver Nuggets and lose 126-113 Wednesday night.

The Cavaliers' first game back at full strength did not go as planned. Kyle Korver returned after missing seven games and Coach Tyronne Lue went back to the starting lineup that won the title last season.

It was a bad night for the onset for the Cavaliers. The Cavs trailed by as many as 20 in the first half, and they were lazy on defense especially on the interior, where the Nuggets bullied their way to 70 points in the paint.

The 126 points allowed are tied for the most Cleveland has given up in a loss this season.

Kyrie Irving, who has scored at least 20 points in 19 consecutive games, which remains the longest active streak in the NBA, led Cleveland (46-24) with 33 points in 27 minutes and LeBron James added 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists in 33 minutes. Deron Williams' 19 points were his most since signing with the Cavs as a free agent Feb. 27.

Denver Nuggets bounced back from consecutive last-second losses to Houston with a signature win that increased their lead to 1 1/2 games over idle Portland in the race for the final playoff spot in the West.

Nuggets (34-37), who came into the game with the league's fifth best offense, finished with seven players in double figures. Gary Harris lead Denver with 21 points. Nikola Jokic added 16 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.

With the Celtics beating the Pacers Wednesday, the Cavs' lead atop the Eastern Conference is down to just one game.

COMING UP FOR THE CAVS: The Cleveland Cavaliers finish up their current road trip when they visit the Charlotte Hornets at 7:00pm on Friday night.